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Reflective Aluminum Home Designed for Sustainable Desert Living

Author:
Nathan Facuri
Reflective Aluminum Home Designed for Sustainable Desert Living

Project in-detail

Elevated on reinforced concrete columns, a reflective aluminum shell encases a self-sufficient home equipped with photovoltaic panels and a septic system, designed for comfortable off-grid living in the Mojave Desert.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on reinforced concrete columns for wind resistance.
02
Utilizes a reflective aluminum shell to enhance energy efficiency.
03
Equipped with an integrated refillable water tank for sustainability.
04
Features a septic system for independent wastewater management.
05
Designed specifically for comfortable living in a desert climate.

The Las Vegas Deserted Home is located in the vast Mojave Desert, designed to provide a self-sufficient living space for those pursuing an off-grid lifestyle. It aims to promote sustainability and independence, incorporating essential systems that allow residents to exist outside conventional urban infrastructure while addressing the unique challenges posed by the desert environment.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS

At the heart of the design are photovoltaic panels, which supply renewable energy, significantly decreasing the need for traditional electricity. This focus on sustainability is complemented by a refillable water tank, meeting the residents' needs for sanitation and hydration. The home also includes a septic tank for wastewater management, supporting a comprehensive off-grid living experience.

CLIMATE RESPONSE STRATEGIES

To tackle the extreme conditions of the desert, an air conditioning unit is part of the design, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment. The reflective aluminum shell serves to reduce heat absorption, enhancing energy efficiency. This choice of materials not only improves comfort but aligns with the objective of minimizing energy use in a challenging climate.

STRUCTURAL RESILIENCE

Wind and dust storms are common in the region, and the home's design factors in these environmental realities. It is elevated on reinforced concrete columns, providing the necessary stability and strength to withstand severe weather. This elevation also encourages airflow through the structure, further contributing to a comfortable living space.

INTERIOR LAYOUT AND FUNCTIONALITY

The layout is practical, featuring distinct areas for the kitchen, living space, bedroom, and bathroom. This design maximizes usability in a compact area, allowing residents to navigate their daily routines with ease. Each space is arranged to support a functional lifestyle while maintaining comfort.

The careful integration of these elements creates a home that not only fulfills the basic requirements of its residents but also enables them to engage fully with the surrounding desert landscape.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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